Murray Polglase

Remembering Murray

Murray Polglase
Memorial at ISPP (23 January 2021)
Murray Polglase

This is a place to remember and celebrate the life and achievements of our principal, friend and colleague, Mr Murray Polglase. Please share your stories, memories and thoughts, so we can all see what a positive impact he had on all those around him.

If you would like to share photographs to add to our gallery, then please submit them using the Get in touch link and we will add them to the gallery. If you would like to read the speech made at Murray’s funeral ceremony, it is linked here

In the future, we will make these messages and stories into a book for Murray’s family, and we know they will cherish the stories, experiences and connections of others with their husband and father.

Share your memories, thoughts and stories

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fields marked with * are required.
Your E-mail address won't be published.
All entries will be published as soon as possible.
Barry Sutherland wrote on January 31, 2021 at 9:53 am
Right from the first conversation, Murray was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. We first spoke over Skype; him in Beijing and our team in Phnom Penh. Murray joined our school in July 2017. He had a great manner about him and I got to know him very well during the time we worked together and afterwards. I was always in awe of his easy-going manner and how he related to people. He loved working with students, which is usually the easy part for educators but he was a natural. Murray was an excellent listener, compassionate and resilient.

He was also very stubborn. He was starting to feel poorly in early 2018 and many of us encouraged him to go and get checked out at Bumrungrad or down in Singapore. He was not moved and had a hundred excuses why there was no need. Reluctantly, he eventually went down to Singapore with Sam where the diagnosis was confirmed. I flew down to see them there and explained that the school would support whatever treatment was required. I remember clearly sitting with them in the Intercontinental Hotel having a conversation over some beer and wine and all of us managing to find some humor in the fact that we were even having the conversation. His challenging journey through chemotherapy and radiation began there.

Of course, the staff and students at the school, as well as the community, were shocked with the news. People began sending supportive emails and students put together cards with messages of hope and a fair amount of jokes which I know Murray appreciated and loved. We sent him video messages of encouragement from assemblies and from the Senior Leadership trip in Kep at the start of the next school year. I will always remember the thunderous applause he received at his first assembly back in the school. The disease was in remission and he was on the road to recovery.

Parallel to this, one of our cleaning ladies, Ms. Srey, had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Since the insurance company would not cover her chemotherapy treatments, the teachers and staff banded together to pay her bills. Srey was reduced to a weight of 100 pounds at the height of her treatment but hung in there and eventually came back to the school fulltime. She received a standing ovation in the black box when we brought her out, so the students could meet a very brave woman. She had another year with her family until the cancer returned and she too succumbed. We were with Srey until the very end, visiting her daily in the hospital and then at her home in Ta Khmau where she died. I remember Murray visiting Srey in Sunrise in her final week there and he was shaken by the visit for obvious reasons. That was the fall of 2018.

Murray and I often talked about how supportive the ISPP community was with how it treated people, including himself and Srey. Murray extended this compassion to the CCF community in Steung Meanchey. Murray was one of the driving forces behind establishing the scholarship program at ISPP and he was very proud of that achievement that has done and is doing so much for a group of very bright underprivileged children. Murray was an advocate for the less fortunate and had a keen sense of fairness. He was also brave enough to speak truth to power and was never afraid to speak up and give a direct and common-sense explanation when it was most needed.

Murray helped the team of teachers visit the CCF schools and joined in all the activities which led to the very difficult decision of which students to select. The students were delightful, enthusiastic, kind and motivated – they were children. After every interaction, Murray and the teachers involved became more and more confident that they were involved in something much bigger than themselves and that their work on Saturdays and after school was going to have a great impact on the families of these children for years. Murray was very proud of this because he knew in his heart that it was good work. The scholarship program is a great legacy Murray has left us.

When there was a horrific fire in the Steung Meanchey, our senior students organized a food and clothing drive for the now homeless. Murray was so proud of them for this. He insisted on accompanying the students with their two truckloads of supplies down to the makeshift community and personally got stuck in unloading the trucks with our students. You must remember that Murray had just come through the last of his chemo treatments and was very weak. I remember he tweaked his back carrying a 19 litre bottle of water, which of course he should not have been lifting. But as I said, the man was stubborn and always determined to help.

When I left the school at the end of the 2018-19 school year, Murray was in remission and feeling great. We hosted the scholarship children and their families for a BBQ down at our house with Murray and Sam, so I could say goodbye. Murray was in the swimming pool horsing around with the excited students and saying hello to the families. After the BBQ finished at dusk, the families made their ways home and Murray, Sam, Tracy and I shared some drinks in the garden under a beautifully clear Cambodian sky full of stars and talked about how grateful and lucky we were to be there together. That was a moment.

I was also lucky enough to meet Murray at a teacher recruiting conference in Bangkok a year ago. He was looking great and feeling fine. I said it may have been due to my departure and I do not remember him rushing to dispute that. We had a great catch up over a few beers and planned to get together the next time I visited Cambodia. Of course, the pandemic put those plans to one side.

Murray called me when the cancer returned last fall and I was thankful that he left a voice message because I am not sure I could have held it together when I got the news. I did call him the next day and we kept in touch right up until the end. He couldn’t use the phone eventually. The last message I got through to him, via Nurse Desiree, was that I was thinking of him. ‘’Good,’’ he replied.

To me ‘’good’’ simply sums up who Murray was – fun loving, great sense of humour, smart, caring, brave and resilient. We lost a good one, but we gained so much from knowing him. My heart goes out to Sam, Sophie and Zach who knew this good man more than any of us. He was great friend and I really miss him.
Toggle this metabox.
David Speirs wrote on January 31, 2021 at 1:28 am
Muzza, I'm sitting here writing this and can see you clear as day. When I saw you recently, you said you'd fight it to the end and you didn't fear the road ahead. There were no regrets, words of an absolute legend. You spoke with great love and pride in your voice of Sam, Zach and Sophie. In your family and friends, your indelible spirit will never leave. You truly cared mate and that's why people love you. Music also stirred your heart….The winds of change carry us along, from our past to our future, a beautiful song. My friend, winds will forever blow and your song will always play. I love you mate xxx
Toggle this metabox.
Marian Pronk wrote on January 30, 2021 at 11:12 pm
As a school nurse I worked incidentally with Murray. And felt safe with him, having my back. Whenever I needed help he was there, never questioning me or my colleagues. With a great sense of humor and a straightforwardness that suited my Dutch personality. And with Sam there on top working was always wonderful and joyful. We met again in Cambodia and had a lovely time together. You will be so missed dear Murray.
Toggle this metabox.
Frank Aarts wrote on January 30, 2021 at 7:49 pm
努力工作,尽情放松 Work hard, play hard is what the Chinese like to say about someone like Murray. Heart for his job, the students and his colleagues, but never at the expense of his family, friends and hobbies. A beautiful soul has left us and will be so dearly missed. We are so lucky and gratefull that we had such a lovely time when we went to visit you and Sam early 2018. Bon voyage our friend.

Lorraine, Frank, Danna and Finley.
Toggle this metabox.
Geraldine Watkins wrote on January 30, 2021 at 1:32 pm
A great guy who will be missed by many. He always had a smile on his face and was always up for a bit of fun. Our thoughts are with Sam, Zach and Sophie. Big hugs, G
Toggle this metabox.
Relle Maxwell wrote on January 30, 2021 at 12:45 pm
A principal and principled. A friend but also a mentor. Always a smile and a friendly hello. A supporting boss and colleague like no other. You listened. You gave advice. You made us laugh. You were someone we could count on. I really loved how you loved students and always put them first. Listening to their needs and putting things into action with students in mind, not tradition or "it's always been done that way" – a true leader and friend to both students and teachers. We miss you Murray! Thank you for all you did and for just being you.
Toggle this metabox.
Watey Diep wrote on January 30, 2021 at 9:26 am
He was the kindest man, and his emotional intelligence really did make a big difference at ISPP. Thank you for everything you did for this community.
Toggle this metabox.
Camila Ochoa Mendoza wrote on January 29, 2021 at 9:03 pm
Mr Polglase, I never had him as a teacher, but he was always around. Through his different roles at WAB, he was always an anchor whose calm presence and warm greetings, made us feel at home. Murray and Sam were like parents to our high school. Always there with open arms and ready to listen to anything we had to say. They made us feel safe, validated, important. Murray will always hold a very special place in my heart, a man of few words but with a fiery spirit, and he will be so dearly missed.
Toggle this metabox.
Courtney Lowe wrote on January 29, 2021 at 7:46 pm
I have many fond memories of Murray. They include a lot of fun and a lot of hard work. Murray was never one to shy away from anything that was difficult, and he often made difficult things easier by adding an element of fun. Murray’s great taste in music, wicked smarts, and quirky sense of humor made him a joy to be around and someone on whom you could always depend.

Though we ended up on opposite sides of the planet, I remained one of his biggest fans. I was so fortunate to get to spend time in person with him in January 2020.

Sam, Sophie, and Zach — lots of love and deepest sympathies from all the Lowes.
Toggle this metabox.
Amy Copland wrote on January 29, 2021 at 7:40 pm
Murray was one of the good guys. He was such a kind soul and an absolute legend. I am blessed to call him my friend.
A good memory and adventure with Murray began with running out of beer, knocking on doors yelling about a serious emergency situation, the rest of the story went on to become quite an adventure.
If I had know that last beer I had with Murray in Dubai would be the last time we met… I would surely have gotten him into some more mischief!
Murray, I don’t love many guys… but I love you. We will meet again one day on the other side for a very cold beer or 20.
Toggle this metabox.
Andy Murphy wrote on January 29, 2021 at 5:44 pm
Murray was one of the good guys. He genuinely cared about people and treated everyone with kindness and insight. Always smiling, always willing to listen, Murray made friends wherever he went. A bright light has gone out, but he has left us with so many happy memories. Sincere condolences to Sam, Sophie and Zach – our thoughts are with you.
Toggle this metabox.
Dutch Mikey wrote on January 29, 2021 at 4:25 pm
Matey, what a journey we've had starting in Beijing. Remember that party at your place in 2008? You're a special one Murray. As a friend, colleague, principal, father and husband. Great memories which will last forever. Love to Sammy, Soph, Zack, family and friends.
Toggle this metabox.
Sorn wrote on January 29, 2021 at 11:12 am
Murray was a good leader; educator and humanitarian who helped guide scholarship opportunity for Cambodian’s kids. I remembered the first day that I met him during the job interview; I felt that I was going to work with a boss who always cares for others and that made me to decided to move here hopefully.

I will try to keep encouraging scholarship kids that Murray helped selecting to study hard and hopefully they become good leaders for their family, community and country.
Toggle this metabox.
Pat, Jim, and Jessy wrote on January 29, 2021 at 9:04 am
Dear Sam,

We heard the heartbreaking news from Rena that Murray lost his battle with cancer. We are so very sad. Our hearts go out to you, Sophie, and Zach at this very difficult time.

Ever since we received Rena’s message, I've been thinking of Murray and remembering my interactions with him, especially the conversation I had with him standing next to the Koi garden café on our last day at WAB. I was saying how difficult it was to leave as the rest of the world wasn’t like WAB. He said, "Well, you'll just have to take the WAB spirit with you." What a gift he had to counsel and support others! We will always remember him, his many kindnesses, his good humor, and his gentle spirit.

I can’t imagine, Sam, your pain at losing your life partner. I hope you're comforted by knowing that we are keeping you close in spirit and keeping Murray close in spirit with this beautiful photograph Jim took of him in March 2011.

Much love
Toggle this metabox.
Joe wrote on January 29, 2021 at 7:45 am
If it wasn’t for Murray, I wouldn’t be here today. While I was in a downward spiral of depression, Murray noticed and chatted to me to find solutions to my issues. He offered me a place to stay and made me feel loved and supported. With the support of Sam and Soph, I felt like part of their family. My life turned around after that and I owe it all to Murray and Sam. Even let me have a beer with them out at dinner.
Toggle this metabox.
Catherine Wimpey wrote on January 29, 2021 at 4:54 am
Murray’s family and ours joined WAB in 2008. Our daughters became friends and we did, too, enjoying laughs together at Fellas. As the girls entered HS, and Murray became VP, it was so reassuring to have him around. He was a great advocate for kids. Murray – I'll miss your smile, your wisdom, your talent and your friendship. You’re a big loss to our personal and professional worlds. Thanks for making a difference.
Toggle this metabox.
David Wood wrote on January 29, 2021 at 1:08 am
It's so sad to hear of Murray's passing. We worked together at WAB for a few short years. Murray was a great teacher who transformed my son's experience learning mathematics, helping him become more confident at a time when he really needed it. He was calm, kept stuff in perspective, believed in people, and was just a steady and kind presence. We were in touch last summer over a shared passion for music. What a great guy! Gone but never forgotten – Murray made a positive difference in the lives of many and I'm grateful to have known and worked with him. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
Toggle this metabox.
Michelle Mouw wrote on January 28, 2021 at 11:24 pm
It's not every day that you come across an assistant principal who can rock out in a band. I only have fond memories of Mr Polglase and his kind, genuine spirit.
Toggle this metabox.
Mark Trumpold wrote on January 28, 2021 at 11:20 pm
I always found Murray to be an incredibly patient and a kind person with a wonderful outlook on life.

He always had a smile which often showed the 'larrikin' in him which would make me and others laugh.

There will always be fond memories like drinks up at Fellas, times after the teacher farewells or last day of school, ski trips, snooker nights or just sitting around and chatting with his family.

I will always smile in remembering one evening when the SGC band was playing. He was hamming it up like a rock star! Then the empty drink cans rained upon him and he just got 'rockier' and kicked the music stand like a rock star! The 'larrikin' in him!

Good times!
Toggle this metabox.
Daniel van Leeuwen wrote on January 28, 2021 at 10:36 pm
I'll always remember the time Mr and Mrs Polglase helped me out when I was a troubled teenager without judgment. I appreciate it immensely and it's something I'll never forget for the rest of my days.
You will be missed
Toggle this metabox.
Kelly Crysell wrote on January 28, 2021 at 10:16 pm
We feel so lucky to have known Murray. He was a kind soul, loved by everyone who knew him. Nothing ruffled his feathers and it seemed like smiling always came easy to him. The world has lost a good man.
Toggle this metabox.
James wrote on January 28, 2021 at 6:34 pm
A beautiful man. Murray was blessed with assertiveness and had the ability to be kind without compromising his values. I will be forever grateful for our many late-night talks and his willingness to listen to my ramblings. On occasion, those discussions would turn to matters of life and meaning. He was steadfast in his belief that the love he felt for his wife, Sam, and his children, Zach and Sophie, was paramount. I miss my friend and I am richer for having known him.
Toggle this metabox.
Andy Cole wrote on January 28, 2021 at 1:17 pm
A loss to the world. You had a great outlook on life and I was privileged to share some of the fun times with you.

Sadly missed but very fondly remembered.
Toggle this metabox.
Melanie Vrba wrote on January 28, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Murray and I met when my family moved to Beijing in 2013 and I joined Murray on the HS Leadership team. From the first moments at WAB, Murray welcomed my whole family with warmth and generosity. Although he had been at WAB a long time, he immediately made me feel part of the WAB family.

Working alongside Murray was, quite simply, fun. I can remember shooting marshmallows at each other, supporting the school musicals together, laughing every day, teasing the whole team, and especially when dealing the more difficult parts of our roles in the school, I remember relying on each other for support and guidance.

We used to joke that in his role as Assistant Principal, Murray needed to "assist us", so we often sent him off on silly errands. What makes good jokes funny is the grain of truth in them; Murray spent his time at WAB assisting everyone. No matter what the role – staff, teacher, student, parent, community member – Murray's first response was always to see how he could help.

The last time I saw Murray in person was in January 2020. He was just the same as he always was: he wore a bit of a troublemaker's smirk, made everyone laugh, slipped in a few wise words when no one was looking… and did it all with his arms wrapped around his friends.

Thank you for the difference you made in my life, Murray.
Toggle this metabox.
Adam Bourret wrote on January 28, 2021 at 7:51 am
Playing bass in the Shunyi Gentlemen's Club was one of the absolute highlights of my time at WAB. I would eagerly await those after school Thursday sessions with Murray, Dylan and Todd, as we would hash out the evening's practice session with a whole lot of humor and a whole lot of laughter.

Murray was the ringleader of fun and calming creativity. I am a guitar player and had, up to that point, never played the bass guitar. Yet, there was no judgement on Murray's part (or the rest of band for that matter); quite the contrary, he always assisted me with an enthusiasm for the creative process that was inspiring. More than that, he had a calm about him that made it easy to feel safe to take risks… a true teacher.

The last communication I had with Murray was a few months back via WeChat. He told me that he missed the SGC days… I do too, my friend. And, I miss you. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.

Going to listen "Not Finished Just Yet", by Bernard Fanning and think of you… you nailed that song every time.
Toggle this metabox.
Victoria Watt wrote on January 28, 2021 at 7:25 am
Teaching the youngest learners at the school, Murray’s and my work paths rarely crossed until Friday afternoons where we might have shared a beer or two! Standing on the Green Cap deck used to be a quite a stinky experience but when they started talking about cleaning up Duck Lake, Murray and I were joking that the next time he came to visit we would have our towels out on the grass after a swim in Duck Lake. I think we both thought it would never happen. I still haven’t been for that swim, Murray, but every time I look over from that deck which now belongs to Hulu, I think of you!
Toggle this metabox.
Doug wrote on January 28, 2021 at 7:15 am
On my first ever Wanlong Ski trip, Murray let me tag along with him as we were the only two beginner snowboarders. He was tremendously patient as I continually fell on my backside over and over. After one particularly epic crash on that icy back Wanlong run, I look up to see his hand out to help me back up. After a quick, "You'll be right, mate." We were back at it. Murray – a top bloke.
Toggle this metabox.
Mohammed wrote on January 27, 2021 at 8:08 pm
I wasn't here for long but I could tell that he was a good and caring person. I wish I could've talked and interacted with him more.
Toggle this metabox.
Diederik Lugt wrote on January 27, 2021 at 7:26 pm
Hi Murray, just thought I'd drop you a message. I can't tell you how happy I am for having had the chance to work with you. A bit sad that it was only for one year though. Glad you and I had a chance to meet for dinner a year ago in BKK. You were super kind and approachable as always. Thanks for your kindness and professionalism. Hope to see you again one day somewhere. Take it easy my friend. D
Toggle this metabox.
Alvin Bergbom Hallberg wrote on January 27, 2021 at 6:48 pm
It is terrible and it is hard to accept the fact that Mr Polglase has left us. You will never be forgotten.
Toggle this metabox.
Ravi Korng wrote on January 27, 2021 at 6:36 pm
I remember being on the student council in the 7th grade, about 4 years ago, and we were asked to listen to speeches presented by the three secondary principal candidates. One of them was Mr Murray. I remember instantly liking him because of his positivity and eager to meet the student body. He was the coolest principal I've ever had. He will be missed by all of us.

PS. Thank you for making the dress code more relaxed (we all appreciated that :))
Toggle this metabox.
Don McMahan wrote on January 27, 2021 at 5:32 pm
I worked with Murray and Sam at WAB. I'll remember Murray for his charisma, confidence, and warmth. There were so many times when he didn't need words to say the right thing. I express my deepest condolences to Sam and his family. We haven't forgotten you guys; you're Wabbies forever!
Toggle this metabox.
Scott Johnson wrote on January 27, 2021 at 4:37 pm
I had the good fortune to get to know Murray a bit, both as a parent, and through my time with the PCO.

I can honestly say that he embodied so many of the characteristics we admire in an educator: he was thoughtful, thorough, intelligent, kind, had a good wit, and always seemed to be level-headed and patient. (As a parent and former teacher, I know how difficult those latter characteristics can be!)

And as a part of the greater ISPP community, I appreciate the love and support the faculty and staff were able to provide him through these past couple of years, which were most certainly very difficult.

I only wish that we could gather as a larger community to celebrate his life and work, but please know that his commitment (and yours) to our children has not gone unnoticed.

Best wishes are with Murray’s wife and family.
Toggle this metabox.
Katie Barbuto wrote on January 27, 2021 at 2:49 pm
For a second I went to email Murray today to invite him to our class debate, but then it hit me he is gone. He loved to watch the students engage in lively discussion and would always just sit smiling throughout the lesson. Murray had a joy about him that was contagious, even about simple things like coming to school. ISPP wont be the same without him.
Toggle this metabox.
Alexandra Romo wrote on January 27, 2021 at 2:20 pm
Really sad news. I will always remember him as a friendly and positive person. Rest in peace.
Toggle this metabox.
Brendan Miller wrote on January 27, 2021 at 2:06 pm
I remember in my job interview he told me he had contacted a mutual mate of ours, Noor, and was pleased to report back that apparently I wasn't a d-head. Great sense of humour, lovely man. I've just been watching some old clips of him and the Shunyi Gentleman's Club belting out some great tunes with a beer in my hand and a tear in my eye. Cheers for the memories mate.
Toggle this metabox.
Scott wrote on January 27, 2021 at 9:30 am
For me Murray was just so approachable and supportive in my first year at WAB , made me feel part of the place. I also loved doing gigs with Murray and being part of his band, rockin' out and kicking back with a few beers afterwards. What a champ!
Toggle this metabox.
Huiman wrote on January 27, 2021 at 9:00 am
I am greatly saddened by the news. We used to work closely at WAB and Murray helped me tremendously with his knowledge, experience, calm approach and funny jokes. He never gets upset or angry with anyone and he always looks for solutions to help. Last time we met was about a year ago in Thailand and Murray was healthy and strong. This is what I will always remember about him!
Toggle this metabox.
Song Heng Mot wrote on January 26, 2021 at 10:45 pm
You are an amazing secondary principal and friendly to all ISPP communities. You had gone away but we still remember you.
Miss you Murray!
Toggle this metabox.
Maden wrote on January 26, 2021 at 7:52 pm
It is shocking to hear this sad news. I used to work with Sam when she was working in grade 5, Mr. Murray’s wife and spent a good time at their home. He was a good principal.
You will be missed
Toggle this metabox.
Ly Sopoir Vortey wrote on January 26, 2021 at 5:49 pm
I felt great sadness after hearing about Mr Polglase's passing. He was a great principal and musician. He was so caring, friendly, kind, and understanding. His guitar skills were amazing. I enjoyed watching him perform "Johnny B. Goode", he was so cool! I wished he could've performed more during the Friday's assembly, but I know he had so much on his plate already. His hard work and devotion to the ISPP community has been shown through the result of the school operating smoothly. He ensured that all teachers, students, staffs and the people around him, received the warmth and I think everyone can all agree that he had delivered that successfully.

You will be missed and you'll always be in our hearts.
Toggle this metabox.
Anh Nguyen wrote on January 26, 2021 at 3:38 pm
When I worked there, it seemed like I was in his office every other day chatting with him. He was so supportive and always willing to listen. He was a caring person who for sure put people before anything else. I will miss you Murray!
Toggle this metabox.
Seyha Buth wrote on January 26, 2021 at 3:02 pm
Mr. Murray is an incredible person and an amazing principle. He loves Khmer staff and cares about us much. Every day I walked pass him I always see his beautiful smile from inside out. Each day I walk by his office I always looking at his office through his window and waiting for him to smile back at me. We Will Miss YOU.
Toggle this metabox.
Lindy wrote on January 26, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Murray and I worked together throughout his time at ISPP. I quite clearly remember both the first day I met him and the last day I saw him, and the genuine and down-to-earth personality he revealed along the way. It helps that he was Australian, of course. I could reflect on many things about him, but as I considered what I would write, I kept coming back to two memories – small things, but they show the essence of Murray to me. The first one was that when you started a chat with him and he asked "How are you?" – he was actually interested! Maybe not that interested in hearing every ache, pain and moan and groan, but you were expected to answer and he would pay attention to what you said! This thoughtful character trait is not as common as we think. The other memory was during a social drinks evening, where of course many, many very important topics were covered. Amongst these, I remember he said that he didn't think his life would be complete if he had not created his own family, that being married and having children meant total fulfilment to him. It was clear to me then why he became a teacher, and why his students, as well as friends and colleagues, will feel his loss. I'm sure his family knows how much they meant to him, and I hope they know that he told others this too. Vale, Murray. You are already very much missed. 
Toggle this metabox.
Jon Banules wrote on January 26, 2021 at 2:54 pm
Murray and I first connected over music. He mentioned something about the Clash. I mentioned something else about punk rock. It took a few months for us to have a jam with some of the other outstanding musicians at school. He played drums that day, and belted out a riotous "Johnny B. Goode" with swagger. Over the waaay too short time I knew the man, we had a few more times like that in the secondary music room that culminated with a fantastic rock debut in front of the students at the end of year assembly I think it was. Murray revealed himself to be probably the coolest secondary principal that these kids had ever known. He definitely was that for me. We'll miss you Murray. Rock on where you have gone!
Toggle this metabox.
Laura O'Driscoll wrote on January 26, 2021 at 2:46 pm
Though I did not work closely with Murray, I never passed him without getting a big smile and hello. I appreciated how he always made an effort to get to know the elementary teachers if he was in the cafeteria at our lunch time. His presence will be greatly missed at ISPP.
Toggle this metabox.
Sokuntheary OM wrote on January 26, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Mr Murray Polglase was a good man and a great person to work with.
He'll always be in my heart.
Toggle this metabox.
Mia Lee wrote on January 26, 2021 at 1:39 pm
Murray and I spoke on several occasions at work socials, and I enjoyed his openness as an individual and the mutual musical kinship we shared. I didn't know you well, but you will be missed Murray.
Toggle this metabox.
William & Deirdre Smith wrote on January 25, 2021 at 1:17 pm
When we first met Murray as the new ISPP principal, we were pleased to meet a kind, friendly person. When we had more in-depth discussions with him at school, we got to know a highly professional, principled, fair and caring person, who listened, guided and advised us. When Murray was being treated for his illness, we were moved by how strong, compassionate, generous and gracious he was, as he told us how grateful he felt for the life he had lived. It was obvious that Murray loved life, he loved sharing his knowledge and skills with the next generation, and he stayed positive about the future. We were lucky to have met him, and our son and his fellow students are lucky to have been guided and influenced by him. Murray’s exceptional character and the life he led will continue to be a positive example to us all. Bill and Deirdre Smith
Toggle this metabox.
Remembering Murray